Device to Attach a Food Recycle Bin to a Large Bin for the Purpose of Preventing Access by Animals

ABSTRACT

A device that attaches a food recycling bin to a larger bin by connecting the handles of each via a strap, rope or chain, and an integrated hook.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT (IF APPLICABLE)

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX (IF APPLICABLE)

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a simple yet novel solution to a common household problem.

The problem is that residents place their food recycling (also known as “composting”) bins outside for collection, but these bins are sometimes accessed by animals (such as racoons) before the collection has been done.

As municipal or private waste collection is often scheduled for early in the morning (such as 7:00 am), residents often choose to place waste bins, including food recycling bins, outside the night before the collection. During the period before the collection is attempted, animals (typically racoons) can knock over food recycled bins, and then can more easily open the lid and access the contents. The result can be a mess on the ground, and often refusal by the collector to remove the waste.

Some devices exist to help prevent access by animals, but they take the form of mechanisms to secure the lid closed, and require difficult installation such as drilling holes and attaching screws or bolts.

The invention that is the topic of this submission (“the invention”) takes a different approach; it attempts to prevent the food recycling bin from being pushed over by the animal. If the bin cannot be pushed over, it becomes much more difficult for the animal to access the contents.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention serves to prevent animals, typically racoons, from pushing over food recycle bins that have been placed out for collection. By preventing such bins from being pushed over, residents may be able to prevent animals from accessing the contents of the bins (thereby preventing the resulting mess).

The invention provides a quick way to attach a food recycle bin to a larger waste bin, such as those used for non-food recycling (e.g. paper and cardboard), or for non-recycling waste (i.e. garbage).

The invention consists of a strap, rope or chain (“the strap”), with an integrated hook.

To attach the food recycle bin to the larger bin, the strap is attached to the handle of the larger bin. The other end of the strap contains a hook, and the handle of the food recycle bin is placed over this hook. The strap is adjustable such that the hook grips underneath the handle of the food recycle bin without falling, but also without requiring that the food recycle bin be suspended off the ground.

If an animal tries to push the food recycle bin over, the bin is restrained by the strap, thereby helping to prevent the bin from falling over. The strap is held firmly in place by the larger bin to which it is also attached.

The waste collector can simply lift the food recycling bin up, without any additional effort to release the bin from the securing device. As the bin is lifted up, it simply lifts off the hook. The strap remains attached to the larger bin permanently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

There is only one Figure contained in this submission.

The Figure depicts a Large Recycling Bin (5) on the right side, and a Food Recycling Bin (4) on the left side. The two bins are attached using the device of the invention. The hook (3) portion of the device is shown secure against the handle of the Food Recycling Bin (4), and the strap portion of the device (1) is shown secure around the handle of the Large Recycling Bin (5). The effective length of the strap portion is maintained by an adjustment mechanism (2).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a device to attach a food recycle bin (4) to a larger waste bin (5), as depicted and referenced in the single figure included in the invention submission. All subsequent numeric references to diagrammatic elements are to be found in this same figure.

The invention consists of the following components:

A. A strap, rope or chain (“the strap”) (1).

B. An attachment to adjust and secure the strap (2).

C. An integrated/attached hook (3).

To use the invention, the following instructions are followed:

1. The strap portion of the device (1) is attached to the handle of an outdoor waste bin (5), such as those used for collection of garbage or non-food materials for recycling. The strap (1) is attached permanently to the handle by looping it over the handle, and then securing to the strap itself (1) using an attachment method that is provided with the device, such as “Velcro”, a clasp, buckle or clip (2).

2. Once attached to the waste bin (5), the strap (1) hangs down freely. The bottom end of the strap (1) contains an integrated large hook (3). The strap (1) can be adjusted, such that the hook (3) is suspended at a suitable distance from the ground.

3. Next, the user places the handle of a food recycling bin (4) over the hook (3).

After following these instructions, the food recycling bin (4) is secure, and cannot easily be knocked over by an animal, thereby preventing:

-   -   a messy spill     -   damage to the bin     -   refusal by the collector to collect the contents

When the collector arrives to collect the contents of the bins (4) and (5), he can first lift the food recycling bin (4) easily directly off the hook (3) in the same manner as he would normally lift the bin (4). After dumping the contents of the food waste bin (4), he can then dump the larger bin (5) without any additional considerations; the strap (1) stays attached to the handle of the larger bin (5).

The manufacture of the invention is accomplished as follows:

1. A strap, rope or chain (“strap”) (1) is cut to a length of approximately 25 inches.

2. A securing mechanism (2) is attached to the strap (1), such as a clasp, buckle, clip or “Velcro” strip, to allow the strap (1) to be adjusted in length, and to be secured in place.

3. A large hook (3) is attached to the other end of the strap (1); the shape of the hook (3) is approximately a half-circle, with a diameter of approximately 3 inches. The hook (3) may be comprised of plastic or a steel alloy, sufficient to secure a food recycle bin (4) weighing up to 40 pounds. 

1. The inventor claims the invention as novel, new and useful, consisting of a device to attach a food recycle bin to a larger bin for the purpose of preventing access by animals. 